"Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will
meet you there."
--Rumi

Thursday, June 7, 2012

the mending continues...

i mentioned in the last post, i think, that i purchased a size 2X dress from the thrift store that i was going to re-design so that it would fit my size 8-10 body. it's not as easy a project as i thought it would be. it took me 3 days just to take most of the seams apart and remove the sleeves. i did make a smaller sleeve and basted it on to see how it would work. it's ok but i think i'm going to redo it and make it a straight cuffed sleeve instead of the gathered look pictured here. just below the waist, there is a band that i'm going to embellish with lace and embroidered bits and pieces. it's just in pieces now and will be narrower after it's all stitched. the dress is slightly gathered in the back with a huge long tie that i will shorten and just fasten with a home made button. here's just a peek at what it looks like so far. i'm working on this project as part of Jude's Contemporary Boro class.

the dress as purchased with long, wide sleeves that tied with bows at the cuffs.

the side seams have been taken in, and a new sleeve was constructed. the embroidered lace pieces are covering a band just below the waist...not yet stitched down and incorporated within the garment, so it will be a bit narrower.

stopped in at the thrift store this morning and 3 items came home with me...

that cap is made with a beautiful embroidered linen and it's brand new. the tags were still on it. also picked up 3 cotton napkins that will be perfect for dyeing and embroidery and a wool scarf.

besides what i said over at the forum, i think the finds are great. the cloth for dyeing should work out great. (and just wanted to add, next time you go you should look for those white gloves - for old times!)

Oh Deanna, I hope you show this process step-by-step, it is going to be quite a transformation. What I have to work with is big on me, too, not quite like yours is but still looser than I'd wear. Did the embroidered band come already on the dress or is that yours? You've gotten me in the mood for thrift shopping with your goodies!

Deanna,I'm sure this dress will look gorgeous after you finish.Great finds at thrift store.That cap is so beautiful.Are those buttons embroidered or crocheted? Looking forward to see your dyed napkins.I love the fact that you are doing natural dyeing...

i am so excited to see what you do with the waistband! i'm always looking for something to do with bits of vintage lace and embroidery. another vote for showing every little step of your process! and another bravo for your skill and vision :)